This Stat of the Week explores state policies that limit access to competitive foods in schools. The U.S. Department of Agriculture broadly defines competitive foods as all items not subsidized through federal school meal programs. Those items include food or beverages for sale at schools in a la carte lines, vending machines, or snack bars. Greater availability of competitive foods—often higher in fat or calories—tends to reduce overall fruit and vegetable consumption, a 2004 Government Accountability Office study reported.

In 2007, the Trust for America's Health reported that 26 states had policies designed to reduce access to competitive foods and beverages in schools. Illinois, for example, prohibits the sale of all "confections, candy, and potato chips to students [in grade 5 or below] during meal periods." Indiana code requires that "at least 50 percent of food [and beverage] items available for sale at a school or on school grounds must qualify as better choice foods or better choice beverages… Soft drinks, punch, iced tea, and coffee do not qualify as better choice beverages."

Trends suggest that the health of today’s generation of young people is threatened by lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Overweight and obese people are at risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer. In addition, the U.S. healthcare system suffers economic consequences from obesity-related illnesses. For more information on state education policies and childhood well-being indicators, please see the EPE Research Center's Education Counts database.